Image: The summer campaign is targeted at all ages

Health secretary Andrew Lansley has launched the new Games4Life campaign in order to encourage millions of people across the UK to "get active" during this year's summer of sport.

More than 1,200 hours of sporting action – an average of 13 hours each day – will be shown on television this summer – including Euro 2012 and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A new study has found that 93 per cent of Brits will be watching some of the coverage, with more than half to snack on crisps and four in ten adults expected to drink alcohol while watching.

Games4Life will ask people to complete a simple activity check questionnaire in return for a bespoke branded activity pack, which is designed to keep adults and children alike active this summer.

Ideas and inspiration will be made available through the Change4Life website and will contain free and easy methods of participating in physical activity. A mobile app – the Fun Generator – is also available.

Lansley said: "I'm looking forward to watching what is shaping up to be an exciting summer of sport on TV, beginning with the first England football match in Euro 2012.

"We know that playing sport can be as much fun as watching it and we want to help people make the most of opportunities to get active. That is why we are launching Games4Life: to inspire us all to get off our sofas and try some activity ourselves."

Details: www.dh.gov.uk (Department of Health)
Details: www.nhs.uk (Change4Life)

Image: YanLev/shutterstock.com